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Lions First Padded Practice Updates, Highlights

Visit this page for updates from the Detroit Lions' first padded practice.
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, left, talks to defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) as they walks off the field after practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, left, talks to defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) as they walks off the field after practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Monday, July 21, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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On Friday, the Detroit Lions will bring their physicality to this summer’s first session of padded training camp practices. It will also mark the first practice open to Lions season ticket holders.  

The team’s last two practices have been marked by a high degree of intensity and scuffling. In fact, multiple fights broke out at the team’s Allen Park practice facility Thursday, including scuffles between defensive tackle Brodric Martin and offensive lineman Giovanni Manu and linebacker Anthony Pittman and running back Jabari Small. Brian Branch and Amon-Ra St. Brown were also seen jawing back and forth at one another. 

Additionally, Thursday was the second consecutive practice in which Lions head man Dan Campbell had to put a pause to the on-field play because of the excessive physicality. 

While Detroit plays a violent brand of football on defense, it’s also important to make sure it’s under control. Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is well aware of that, and believes he and the rest of the defensive coaching staff are on the same page when it comes to their expectations for the unit. 

"I told the players the other day in the defensive unit meeting, this isn’t my stuff I’m saying. This is our stuff,” Sheppard said. “I’m not ever going to stand up here and say I’m some genius guru and I invented football. I have allowed my staff to have ownership in their respective positions. I allow input from everyone, from top to bottom. If there’s a ‘why’ behind it, it’s going in. These guys know that, so I think that allows them to work harder. The trust is there, there’s no looking over your shoulder. I don’t have to go into position rooms and wonder what’s being said. I know it’s one voice.”

Check out Detroit Lions on SI all day for updates throughout Friday's practice:

9:57 a.m. -- Linebacker Zach Cunningham has had a strong start to practice, dominating in early 11-on-11 run play drills.

9:47 a.m. -- In a rep between Ahmed Hassanein and Giovanni Manu, two developmental players squared off. Hassanein showed off his power, but Manu battled to slow the rookie down.

9:43 a.m. -- Aidan Hutchinson showed off some ferocious power on a rep against Penei Sewell, beating the All-Pro offensive tackle with a strong counter and second move.

9:28 a.m. -- Kyle Allen is repping with the second-team offense on Friday, continuing the Lions' rotations of Allen and Hendon Hooker between the second- and third-teams.

9:18 a.m. -- Linebacker Jack Campbell ignited the defense by levying a big hit on running back David Montgomery.

9:17 a.m. -- Jameson Williams and Terrion Arnold have had two intense 1-on-1 reps. Williams shook Arnold with a move on the first one, and Arnold took Williams' helmet off while taking him to the ground on the second.

9:05 a.m. -- Ennis Rakestraw is not in pads but is present at practice watching individual drills.

9:00 a.m. -- Terrion Arnold is not showing any ill affects after suffering a strained calf and is on the field for individual drills, as is Derrick Barnes. The second-year corner appears to be cutting and moving with ease, which is certainly a positive sign.

8:49 a.m. -- Graham Glasgow is getting the work at center early in practice.

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Vito Chirco
VITO CHIRCO

Vito has covered the NFL and the Detroit Lions for the past five years.  Has extensive reporting history of college athletics, the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Mercy Athletics.  Chirco's work include NFL columns, analyzing potential Detroit Lions prospects coming out of college, NFL draft coverage and analysis of events occurring in the NFL.  Extensive broadcasting experience including hosting a Detroit Tigers podcast and co-hosting a Detroit Lions NFL podcast since 2019. 

John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!